Holiday Gift Ideas by Tina
Need some holiday gift ideas for the special people on your list? Here are my 2015 gift suggestions! I’m happy to say all these gift picks are gender neutral making it so easy for you to give them to anyone on your list. Here we go:
1. A Scarf
A personal favourite is any scarf by Paul Smith. Paul Smith is a British designer, whose business and reputation is founded upon his men’s fashion with a special focus on tailoring. He is known for his idiosyncratic take on traditional British styling having coined the term ‘classics with a twist’.
You can pick cashmere, wool or lighter scarves made with cotton or silk. Paul Smith is available at Holt Renfrew or other fine department stores starting at $100.
2. A Watch
As a watch collector, you can never have enough watches. These days, my personal favourite is the brand Daniel Wellington. The Daniel Wellington Watch is affordable and made in Sweden. It’s “THE WATCH” for every gender and every occasion. The thin and elegant watch face creates a clean minimalist design, making it timeless and sophisticated. The watchstrap offers some choice as it comes in a half-dozen colorful nylons and a few leather options so you can express and share your own personal style.
3. A bag
A messenger or lap top bag is another great gift for the special ones on your list. Here are a few I like ranging in price from $50 to $1500.
This one is $53.54 from Kohl’s
A little higher end is this one from Coach. In my opinion, Coach is one of the best brands in terms of quality and affordability.
This bag is $375 and can be found here.
A little more higher end is the minimalist design and signature style of Louis Vuitton. I do love the simple look of this bag and would love to see under the tree with my name on it!
This one sells for $1470 at Holt Renfrew.
4. Socks
Socks are an interesting piece of clothing; we pay so little attention to them and yet they’re so important for our overall comfort. They are also a great way to show off your personal style, so why not have fun with them?
There are some great choices out there so turn your socks a fashion statement!
We love these socks for both men and women from Strathcona Socks, made and designed right here in Vancouver.
5. A book
Books are always appreciated so why not give one fresh off the best sellers list? Check out your local book stores for some recommendations. Or pick a book from the New York Best Sellers list.
6. A Colouring Book
Coloring books have become hugely popular! It’s no surprise really when you consider that our day-to-day lives are jam-packed and stressful, full of long hours, deadlines, commuting, and socializing. The consensus is that coloring helps us clear our minds and center our thoughts to help relax and de-stress after a long, hard day.
Coloring books are a perfect holiday gift for that busy person who seemingly has everything. Coloring books are extremely thoughtful gifts that pay homage to a simpler time in life, when our biggest decision of the day was what color to choose next.
You can get some great books from your local bookstore. Here are a few good ones you might want to consider.
7. Chocolate
Everyone loves getting something sweet! Fine handmade Chocolates from your local chocolatier is a great gift idea. Our favourites are from Chocolate Arts here in Vancouver where chocolate becomes an art form and is always handmade.
8. Jewelry
Sami Bracelets are the latest ‘must haves’ in adornments. I was introduced to Sami bracelets by Sarah, of Sass Designs at Local, the Pop Up shop, we curated a few weeks ago. Sarah took the time to learn this traditional art form of The Sami nomadic tribes of northern Scandinavia. Sarah imports the materials from Sweden and now makes these gorgeous bracelets with her daughter locally in Vancouver.
The time consuming Sami bracelets are made with braided pewter wire and are then sewn onto reindeer hide, then finished off with a Reindeer horn button and reinforced loops. The craft of Sami embroidery with pewter wire on reindeer leather has been done for hundreds of years in the Sami culture.
These bracelets would be great for both the males and females on your list.
9. Skincare or makeup
The holiday season is a great time to pick up curated and assembled gift boxes of skin care products and make up from your local department store.
Kiehl’s Canada has a great skincare package for both the men and women on your list. The boxed sets are offered at a special price which gives you a chance to try products with making a huge investment.
The same goes for the makeup counters. Each brand is offering a special Christmas collection. In fact, I picked up a couple from the NARS counter yesterday for some special girls on my list. I hope they don’t read this blog!
10. A Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are the hip, new way to give. It’s basically a package of cool stuff that comes straight to your doorstep every month. Subscription boxes are the gifts that keep on giving!
Who doesn’t love getting packages in the mail? Subscription boxes are curated and send everything from prepackaged dinner ingredients to baubles or shoes straight to you.
The monthly subscription price ranges from $10 per month to upwards of $100 for more indulgent, high-end items. For some ideas have a look here.
One of the longest-running and highest reviewed subscription boxes is BirchBox. For $10 a month you will get a selection of beauty products to try out.
But there are also great boxes for the men on your list!
Guys need stuff too but half the time they don’t even know what that stuff is. To simplify your shopping try Bespoke Post subscription boxes and he’ll get a good assortment of man-related items each month like clockwork for $45. BespokePost
For other ideas try this link.
I hope you find my suggestions useful! Please do let me know if you do end up giving off my list! Enjoy shopping for your loved ones because the journey should be as fun as the giving.
